Key Point Summary – FBI to Help Locate Texas Democrats

• 50 Texas Democrats left to block redistricting vote.
• Sen. John Cornyn says FBI will aid search.
• GOP pushes legal action, fines, and court removal.
• Trump backs arrests, wants more GOP seats.
• Illinois governor says no federal law applies.

The FBI will assist Texas authorities in locating the 50 Democratic lawmakers who fled the state to block a redistricting vote, Sen. John Cornyn announced Thursday. The legislators broke quorum earlier this week, preventing Republicans from advancing a mid-decade map redraw sought by President Donald Trump to add five GOP congressional seats.

Cornyn said FBI Director Kash Patel agreed to help track the lawmakers down. “We cannot allow these rogue legislators to avoid their constitutional responsibilities,” he declared. The FBI declined to comment, and it’s unclear whether agents would attempt to apprehend lawmakers in Illinois or other states.

GOP Turns Up the Heat

Texas has issued civil warrants for the Democrats, who face $500 fines for each day they remain absent. While local law enforcement can’t arrest them outside the state, Republicans have escalated the fight. Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton petitioned the Texas Supreme Court to remove state Rep. Gene Wu, head of the House Democratic Caucus, from office.

Paxton also launched a probe into Beto O’Rourke’s group, Powered by People, alleging it might be running an “illegal financial influence scheme to bribe” lawmakers to stay away. Trump told reporters Tuesday the FBI “may have to” get involved in bringing them back.

Illinois Pushes Back

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker dismissed the legal threats, telling journalist Jessica Yellin, “There’s literally no federal law applicable to this situation. None.” He said any FBI presence in Illinois would be for “show” and vowed local police would protect the visiting lawmakers.

“Whether it’s federal agents or Texas rangers, if you haven’t broken federal law, you’re unwelcome,” Pritzker said. “There’s no way our state legislators here, Texas state legislators, can be arrested.”